pursuit of restoration

The former nobleman-now Teraphim took his seat, shuffling some papers on his person idly. This summit had been long awaited, so he was glad it was finally happening.

"Alright. Much has changed since the last meeting of this summit, so I believe it may be best to start with something that -hopefully- will be simple enough to answer. Are all of us here representing sovereign Kingdoms still committed to forming a united Coalition of Kingdoms for prosperous internal diplomacy and to form a strong united front against enemies outside of Esshar?"

The more recent events; Serea's death and the chaos that had resulted, had put that into question of late. Best to get it out of the way. And oh, look, Kofe was here now.
(Regulus Hargrave)

Kofe makes his presence known. Unexpected, perhaps, but still warranted considering the information he had to bring, and what he was here for. Or rather whom. Perhaps interrupting everyone wasn't the best technique, but why would a Rhoynish care much about that.

"I tried speaking some sense into Basten about that war. He said he was throwing Ilburg in it in order to defend his home. I don't think he's all that logical but I'd rather not see the place where I grew up being razed to the ground."

A pause, and a look towards the stairs.

"He also sent his invitation to Osrona, as an act to be petty. That being said I doubt he's going to wanna pull out no matter what compromise, contract, or deal is struck with him.

So I'll represent the Ilian, rather than the place some of them live. I'd rather not see my family fall because someone's too nuts to listen to others."
(Kofe)

Out of the cold and settling into one of the red leather chairs, Sythaeryn's hands folded in against his lap as he watched Emriss hover above in a gliding motion to settle on the stone ledge. The dragon loomed there with puffs of smoke escaping its nostrils.

Sythaeryn gave a half hearted nod.

"There are many lands outside of Esshar with treasure and bounties ripe for the taking, and threats that eye the country while it's fractured. Being united will be best."

"I would like to look out rather than in, but we're hardly at that point yet."
(Sythaeryn Vartuul)

For the moment the young Dragon would sit quietly and observe, her vermillion orbs assessing all present, though they linger on Sythaeryn a bit longer than others for some reason.. Then return to watching whoever was speaking at the time.
(Khione)

There's too much to take in account..

And while he takes his seat, he would expect Regulus to speak of the coalition- of the council that would supposedly reform Esshar under a different rule. But what rule, exactly? It is something that he's been questioning himself for a very, very long time..

It's rather clear that he does not share the enthusiasm of the newly made Teraphim.

"Representing sovereign kingdoms, yes."

"Committed to forming united coalition, no."

It is perhaps a flaw of the Rhoynish at times- for they simply cannot be always deceptive, always trying to scheme and play games. It would be wrong to say that Basil has no particular interests of his own, some of which perhaps remain a mystery, but..

It is also a known fact that he often states what he thinks.

"After recent fiasco, I'm not very eager to commit myself to whatever other than my own people and our own goals, until I'm certain this can be trusted."

In a sense.. his faith is shaken by all that has happened. Clearly, the self-proclaimed king of Alabastre does not trust the idea of Coalition.

Not anymore, not now.

"But why do we speak of coalition, exactly?"

"I was under impression we're here to discuss fate of Osrona."
(Basil)

Dun would sit comfortably within his velvet lined recliner, the old man of the mountain's rickety, mostly metal bones clicking together idly as the timeless jester mulled over the words of Regulus. They were interesting to him, at the least, though his opinions as ever were of the particular sort.

"Coalitions have always made the back of my neck a bit itchy, but I think that's just from being stabbed in the back as many times as I have. This is the right way forward for a meritocratic, egalitarian continent free of empty titles and cheese."

The elder of the Fireblooded would nod steadily, clicking his teeth together.

"Though what is most important before any such details are finalized, I reckon, is the proving grounds of such an assembly itself. The siege of the city of stars. We can speak of the future with hope, naturally, but the present is what we face."
(Dun Task)

Asta remains quiet as the others speak, judging their reactions. Their words. Her inhuman pupils constrict with intense focus. She's drinking in their every subtle movement. Speech pattern.

Perception.

But, she takes time to respond to Basil.

"Both," she replies to him with a nod. "The Coalition, this council of kingdoms, is intended unify Esshar. Keep us independent, but able to stabilize. We'll be bringing Osrona into this organization, under our control, once they have been conquered.

I do believe, Basil, that your participation in this union of kingdoms is in your best interests. We don't wish to exert control over any member states. We only wish to have a body that lets us act, as a unified force, against threats. And to promote peaceful intentions between us. As much as I'm sure some of us have enjoyed this war, it's costly, and we're all but totally expended."

She leans back against the chair and drapes one leg over the other. She lets her words sink in, before continuing.

"But we are here to discuss Osrona's fate. The restructuring of the Osronan government, once we have taken the city. To disarm the Petrakis dynasty. Remove them from power, completely. Ensure that they don't simply rise again and lash out as soon as they're recovered. Regulus will explain more."
(Asta Hargrave)

Right. So they go on away, for diplomacy and the nitty gritty of it. Settled as they are, deep in the Wyvern's belly, she's on the underside of things a little happy to see this place seeing use.

A pause has her snap her fingers and a chair appear underneath Kofe, and then does the business truly begin in earnest on her part.

Open door diplomacy. Nothing but the straightforward. She leans her chair back and props feet up with a soft frown, crossing arms over chest as she sucks any professional sentiment out of her air before she even begins.

Doesn't care enough to keep that farce up, even for here.

"My business has always been about Theria's independence and well-being. That's, y'know. The entire reason I ended up where I was almost a decade ago."

She gestures around her. The warm, slightly humid room, every inch perfectly polished and carpet luxuriantly soft. She didn't get here, achieve this overnight. She'd been improving this place for nearly the full ten years she'd had it in possession.

"And this coalition is, at the moment, a good forward step in that direction far as I'm concerned- better than butting more heads over petty shit. Osrona beneath Alexander continues to be a threat to what I want in an actual pause from fucking war for once. And that is why I sit down cordially with all of you at all.

I'm not too good at looking past the immediate issues."

Shrug.

There were ideas on her own end, but what of theirs? She's curious, at least, as to the future and the fate of an Osrona that... maybe for the first time in her life, she'd be able to enter not as an envoy, but as just a roaming patron.

Could be fun. Might hate it after one try. Theria's home. Always will be.
(Rinn)

Who to respond to first... in order would make sense.

Thus, Kofe is addressed first.

"We want no conflict with Ilburg, or the Ilian clan. That we granted the fledgling settlement as much farmland as we did should demonstrate that, let alone our efforts to stabilise the Gate below. If Basten supports Osrona, however, he makes himself our enemy, and until he's dealt with, his people as well. If you want your family to survive, as we do too, that's honorable. That is leadership. If you feel Basten is, as you say, nutes? Go replace him. Lead your people in Ilburg."

His attention shifted to Sythaeryn, a little surprise in his eyes as the agreement, but offered an appreciative nod. Dun received that same, as did Rinn. He turned to Basil next.

"I understand. Before we leave today I would like to discuss the Coalition proper. I'm even perhaps a little idealistic in hoping that -given we wish to bring the new Osrona into the organisation- we might actually found it here today. I do hope you'll hear things objectively before making a final decision. But as my Lady wife says, we're here to discuss Osrona's fate."

"Myllenoris has revised demands, which we've offered to I believe most of you. Let us rehash them now. A victory of our alliance would result in the following, in our proposal:"

"Osrona's constitutional monarchy ends. We occupy the city, putting into place a transitional government made up of Osrona's Lightbringer, the returned Stellus Romani Montclaire, and a nominated representative from every Kingdom of the Coalition should they desire it. This council will govern the city for between four to six years, or until an earlier point decided unanimously. In the final two years of this transitional council, Osrona's people will elected a leader, to rule with equal status beside the Lightbringer and Stellus. Osrona will enter the Coalition, and formally recognise Theria and Alabastre as independent, sovereign Kingdoms. Ilburg too, if they've seen the error of their ways under new management at that time."

"Furthermore, every single man, woman and child of the Rhoynish people indentured or enslaved by the city will be released, free, as will be any imprisoned for attempts to escape their lot. Their enslavement is a blot on Essharan history, and one I am ashamed of my Grandfather's role in. Alexander Petrakis will be stripped of all lands and titles, his fate to be decided by this very council. All prisoners of war taken by Osrona will be released. We will do the same save for specific magi of interest, which will be determined by this council. The lands and birthright stolen from my daughter by my wrongful exile will be restored to her. These are Myllenoris' major demands. Previous monetary reparations demanded...I am content to hearthe Council's thoughts on whether they should be continued. These are our revised terms. I now invite your own thoughts on them, as well as any you wish to impose yourself. On the off chance I've missed one, I'm sure Lady Asta will correct me."
(Regulus Hargrave)

The snowy-haired drakanite naturally notices Khione's eyes lingering on him and he flashed the familiar face a fanged smile, then he listened to Rinn with a touch of disinterest in his gaze- Always thinking so small. Sythaeryn continued to listen in silence nonetheless, the tips of his fingers tapping against his metal-plated thigh while humming a quiet sound as Regulus went into much detail. It was somewhat difficult to keep track of and his focus did wander here and there.

Once done, he raises a hand momentarily, then speaks.

"..Tell me, with Romani at the helm of Osrona- A questionable choice in itself- How will their lands and tax revenue be distributed among this... Coalition? What will the war reparations be? It is natural to expect that Myllenoris and Theria should receive the highest share of the spoils," A glance to Basil with that- Alibastre had already been paid for their brief effort in the war, hadn't they? "But rough figures, written down. The wealth of an empire isn't quite so easy to divide."

"For my own war bounty, my request is simple. I want a big, beautiful temple built for the Fireblooded, just like the one in Myllenoris -- where drakanites across Esshar can sleep, train, and eat for free, and those not quite so educated on dragonkind can learn. All forms of dragon hunting should be outlawed, too. If people aren't already deathly afraid of that after what I did to Pericles and Serea," he boasted through a slight smile. His fingers tap to the table as he continued.

"Moving beyond that, money and resources should be allocated towards campaigns to the east. I want to see the ruins of past battle sights. I want to see the wonders of Magnolia, the temples of Sluthia, and if you give me ten good men I'll take them into the shadow lands myself and beyond. But that's a ways off."
(Sythaeryn Vartuul)

She had been involved when Asta and Regulus had come to discuss these terms before, and it seemed as though the suggestions made then stuck.. Which was a more than good thing, putting a Teraphim over Osrona would have been a terrible idea through and through.

As it stood now she was approving of everything she heard, and nodding alongside it.. "I see no issue with it now that some of the smaller kinks have been hammered out.." Her opinion offered for the moment, it was all she could do without an actual seat here.

Sythaeryn's smile was met with one of her own, her breath misting the warm air that permeated the Wyvern.. Her opinions of him had grown mixed as of late, but there was still a large part of her that had held him in high regards for so long.

She couldn't help but be reminded of their conversation a few years ago now, and how she had mentioned a goal she was finally so close to accomplishing.
(Khione)

Dun would ball his prismatic gauntleted fist before placing his mask's chin upon it, listening with careful attention to the Grimmore-Hargrave's words with an idle click of his teeth. Naturally, the man was blind, so he didn't have to look them in the eyes as they spoke to gauge their tone and intentions. The mana in the air spoke quite well of such things already.

Or perhaps that was just the distant scent of cooking meat putting him in a good mood.

"When I was commander of the city watch, I debated Rhoyns day in and day out in defense of Osrona's decadence, pleaded with them to take the slow and steady route. I was blinded by youthful naivete, I didn't see what I should have until it was too late to go back."

The elder of the Fireblooded would nod steadily.

"I'd say take it one step forward, abolish slavery entirely upon the continent, and ensure any Rhoyn that desires is offered equal citizenship within the city should they please. They might have been the aggressors long ago, who knows with historical biases, but what is certain is the eighty odd years that followed did not offer an equal toll to that which was taken."

The elder would click his teeth together steadily, it was clear freedom was as important a value for him as ever. Not just for himself, but for all those bound in chains physical or mental.

"I approve of Sythaeren's intentions, Lord Garljing will be no doubt pleased with such tributary intentions. We may yet avoid another wildfire of draconic flame turning villages to ash, as shiny as sight as it was."

Dun would hum to himself, taking a thoughtful drag from his corncob pipe as he clicked his teeth again.

"Though in truth, the order enabled the witchery that possessed the city as much as anyone, they're the devotees undoubtedly most zealous to the boy king grown old. I recommend a firm restructure if it came tothat before any such Lightbringer is appointed. And a separation of powers within the city proper between the blue cloaks of the watch and the order in regards to matters of justice. That's really just me being sentimental though."
(Dun Task)

Truthfully, after recent stunt pulled by Asta, as well as the words that she's spoken inside Alabastre, her words are taken with great scrutiny.. especially considering that she laid claim that the Teraphim, supposedly, have to take the throne in Osrona. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the entirety of her speech, the Rhoynur seems..

Less than trusting, if at all.

"I'll be the judge of that."

Whether it's worth joining this endeavour, but.. the moment that he listens in to the words spoken by Regulus, there's but a brief hum. For the most part, he remains disinterested- the recognition of Osrona as independent kingdoms, while valuable, is not something that they really have to strive for at this point..

It's not like Osrona can actually afford to do anything about Alabastre - and they tried before, with greater forces too, yet they failed.

What seems to interest him more, however, is the fact that the representatives would be ruling Osrona.. and that Rhoynish would be freed. There's no doubt that it's quite a lot, honestly - but there's a single remark that is spoken about that.

"Good enough on representatives, even if I'm a bit sceptical about Romani being in lead." Because, in all honesty.. Alabastre didn't need even more money. It was already bathing in wealth - so why even bother asking for more, when it would make no difference? Instead, what he asks for is..

"But.."

"I want any trophies from the age of Rhoynur Conquest, from noble houses that no doubt took them. This does not include any weaponry or armor only - this also includes any elements of our lost culture, trinkets and various items, anything and everything that clearly stems from Rhoynish culture."

"As for their money and gold, you can take highest portion of it" As Alabastre itself was already rich anyway.. and Osrona paid the price too. "I want what belonged to my ancestors."

At that point, when Rhoynish are freed, if some of them still somehow choose to reside within Osrona.. then they're honestly lost at that point - which is why he does not ask them to be disbanded from First Light or anything like that.

"I don't see why that would be a problem, however, or why any of you would want what belongs to the Rhoynish."

"So I'm sure I'm making a reasonable request."
(Basil)

The drakanite's finger touches his chin innocently with Basil's request. "Wouldn't that go to Ilburg? Neither them nor yourself have played any part in this war or the 'Coalition', but they are surely recognized as the place of the Rhoynish."

"A point of contention for the future perhaps..."
(Sythaeryn Vartuul)


Sythaeryn Vartuul says, "any recent part*"
"Romani leading it all."

Sagging her back against her seat, the General made herself quite comfortable within Rinn's spacious abode. One leg over the other, she'd engage the element discussed: Who would have power.

"I'm in agreement with a representative from every nation serving in the Osronan council. That was a key factor Theria's council had unanimously agreed upon."

One arm rested upon her seat while the other extended itself to allow her gloved digits to drum over the table before her.

"But, I would propose Sparrow Cos Queen as the Osronan helm of this transition. Or at least, if we're going to keep the traditional trio, have him occupy a spot. Unlike Romani, he manifested doubt well-before his transition here. Although I'd suppose the risk of bias may bother this council. Hence why I'm proposing him as one of the Osronan officials. Perhaps this would allow Romani more breathing room to overhaul the horribly failing Church."

Sythaeryn brought up some peculiar points, which would inevitably prompt the attention of the General.

"We had been undergoing construction for a temple dedicated to the Fireblooded, actually. I believe you were here when it commenced. If you seek to promote the will of the Fireblooded and provide refuge to our Kin, then you should maybe dedicate these efforts in Theria. I'm unsure of your position regarding our land, given I had little involvement with your status here, but it'd be an endeavour that could only benefit our kind which is something I'm not going to argue against."

Now back to the war topic.

"The Rhoynur element is fine. Let the people involved hash out the details of what they're entitled to."


(Alya Kriemhild)

Basil narrows his gaze at Sythaeryn briefly.
(Basil)

Kofe's head give a small shake to Regulus's words. This subject had come again and again in his hands and sights; people wanted him at the helm of Ilburg for one reason or another. Something he could never do— he was not his sister after all.

"I have no intent of taking Ilburg by force for myself. I can agree that Basten's way are damaging, and that putting a stop to them should be a priority considering his intent to protect Osrona in order to protect himself. Despite that, he also refuses to aid them in their turmoil.

He's no real ally to them. And driving Ilburg into battle shows his wit in the commanding seat."

A pause is held, and a smile offered for the liberation of all Rhoynish. If it went as expected, then good. His gaze shifted towards Basil for a moment. He knew his brother had no intent on leading Ilburg for himself, either. Assimilate it in due time, perhaps. But Alabastre needed his attention. No request for himto do the dirty work was made.

"Any text depicting families, wars, and stories that touch our ancestors, too." He added to Basil's demands. Lost family trees could help a young child one day.

"I believe Romani's a better choice than Del at the head of the church. A rough few years have left my long-time friend losing their mind."

A bit more information for the table to hear.

"After Nebula was found out, the church has shifted the blame of it all upon Ophelia. They blamed her for the death of Marie Petrakis, and assumed a position of power over the King. A... catatonic state and wearing robes of the faith is how you'll find him now, more than often. They refused outside help for his affliction, too."

A pause is made, and a look is given towards Regulus.

"I'd like to propose that Alice, Eirene, and Odin are left out of their brother's affairs and consequences. They all tried to talk some sense into him, I can tell you as much."
(Kofe)

"His clan is guarding the gate that connects us to our Primordial, Njorun. That is the highest prize one can ask for."

"He never found himself interested in what we lost during the war - I'll be taking care of that."

There were other feelings involved about Basten as a whole, but..

These remain unspoken.
(Basil)

"Since Myllenoris and Theria have been the principal militant force fighting Osrona," Asta says cautiously, "it will be the two of us that have the first pick of the spoils of war. We both have committed an incredible amount of resources to this war effort, so we shall take enough to offset some of the costs."

Of course, there wasn't enough loot in the world to make up for the price in life that this war had demanded. And it would only grow, as the war came to its conclusion soon.

"Sythaeryn's war bounty is fine enough," she says. "Perhaps your big temple could be made in Osrona, or somewhere just beyond the walls. It is up to you decide, but I see no problem with this.

Thoughts of expeditions beyond Esshar, perhaps, should be reserved for the post-war phase of this Coalition. But, I am not opposed to it. Satisfy your need for adventure, fighting, and curiosity outside of Esshar."

She then turns to Basil.

"I would agree with Sythaeryn, in the idea that you should not be afforded spoils of war because of your lack of participation in the latter half of the campaign against Osrona. However. Ilburg may turn against us, so the relics of the Rhoynish people are best kept in Alabastre. I'm not interested in giving gifts to a potential enemy."

Then, the larger concerns are addressed.


"Romani would merely be reinstated as Stellus," she says. "We'll keep Osrona's Triumvirate structure, but place people in that we can trust. And, of course, instill our own hand-selected representative, or representatives, that will help rule for the first few years.

Then, they can vote amongst themselves.

But the key thing to note: the Petrakis dynasty shall be deposed, and we'll reorganize the governing bodies as we see fit. I suppose, now, we decide on someone to fill in the role of our representative in Osrona.

I'll admit to not knowing much about Sparrow Queen."
(Asta Hargrave)

Rinn seems content enough with all of what has been said thus far, that there is little else for her to do but lean and occasionally nod along here. No need for another cluttering voice at the moment.
(Rinn)

Dun was of the same mind with his daughter, he would add more to the conversation as necessary when it came to it, but the stage was currently for the active conversisers.
(Dun Task)

The drakanite's focus shifts between Basil and Alya as the spoke speak, though they linger on the latter for a moment longer. He thinks on how to phrase this exactly. "No offense, but most people in this city have little fire in their blood. The woman you're sitting beside watched a dragon be behaded and turned her sword on me rather than the people who did so, then proceeded to hole herself up here while I was out dealing Garljing's revenge- All as people like yourself and Magne continued to blame me rather than making amends for their own failures in the war."

The urge to get on their knees before Osrona, to grovel and scrape for a time out. Those memories resurfaced in his mind again. Now things are so much easier with Myllenoris's support, and brave men and women sit at this table rather than the panic he recalled. Too many had reached out to him expressing displeasure in the likes of Magne and Jin.

"In the end, I see isolationatists. Unimpressive. Neither ambition nor heart. Perhaps that will change once more... Amiable leadership surfaces."

"Temples to dragonkind should be built across Esshar, not just Theria. It is better in the long-term. So long as we're on the same page in this, then there is no problem." Sythaeryn finishes sweetly, exhaling out before rising a hand over to the dragon that was watching through keen emeraldine eyes, "Emriss, come to me," he beckoned, the dragon quietly gliding to rise behind him, its tail wrapping around his chair. Sythaeryn slowed his breathing and forced a smile once more.
(Sythaeryn Vartuul)

"Romani has spent a great deal in Myllenoris of late. He's seen the Archpriest's accusations of us to be cruel falsehoods, and is determined to clean up the church. He's also a supporter of the restruction of Osrona and the concept of the Coalition in the first place. That is why I support his return to Stellus."

A quick, decisive response to that line of questioning.

"As to war reparations in exact detail? We are currently unaware of Osrona's treasury's contents. I'd say, for purposes of rough figures, Theria and Myllenoris both should receive...thirty percent of the spoils. Thirty percent will remain with Osrona for its rebuilding, and ten percent will be distributed amongst other involved parties. This assumes they've a sufficient amount to be able to afford that without being economically ruined, of course."

"I'm unopposed to returning Rhoynish 'trophies' to the Rhoynish people; the Grimmore manor has several such artifacts alone, I'll make efforts to return them. I believe we've the armring of High Lord Shar, in fact; the final High Lord of the independent Tribelands. Campaigns outside of Esshar...I'm not opposed, but only on a voluntary basis, of course. I'm sure many would like a reprieve from war."

Task made an interesting proposal, and he stroked his not-beard in contemplation, still a habit he needed to break.

"Hm. Perhaps the First Light would be better disbanded, and a new army arranged in its place. Something without the history of support of the Petrakis monarchy. I'd suggest the same for the Church if not for the reality that would be the quickest way for an uprising. The Osronan triumvirate becomes all elected representatives; one from the people, one from the army, and one from the Church."

His eyes flickered over to Sythaeryn again.

"I'm in agreement with making the hunting of dragons...lets say, punishable by death. And freedom of religion is an excellent ideal to build the new Esshar atop. Perhaps a temple of the Fireblooded in Osrona, and in the Messaris district a shrine to Aschea. Nothing too fancy."
(Regulus Hargrave)

Contemplation is hidden behind his eyes.

For as much as he could consider Sythaeryn speaking out in such sudden manner as something that could only cripple what Basil intended to achieve in restoration of the true Rhoynish culture, as much as he's given a glare, there's little said otherwise. Such arguments mean little..

Especially when Asta agreed just now that it'd be best if they remain within Alabastre.

"Perhaps we did not participate in latter phases. The beginning phase, however, arguably damaged them the most." A pause, to which he adds.

"Our war efforts continued outside of battlefields as well. Alabastre specializes in guerrilla warfare the most, and we pick off our targets when necessary." It's no secret that Alabastre kept several knights captured within their walls, too.

Which struck a blow to Osrona's forces long before battles began.

"But as I said.."

"Take the highest amount of money and other spoils, as you've gotten them. I care most about the lost relics - and I see no reason why any other party would be interested in Rhoynish items, texts and other artifacts."

Unless, of course, someone is looking to extort them - but extorting Rhoynish people usually doesn't end well, and only leads to bloodshed and conflict.

Yet, he notes the words spoken by Regulus.. the information must valuable - the exact artifacts that were there, of course, means that he'd know what he should be looking for.

Or what he wasn't given, if it comes down to that.

"Very well. And-"

His gaze turns to Asta.

"If you're unwilling to give it to potential enemy.."

"Then give it to potential ally."

An implication here is clear. Is it made to serve the goal that Basil intended here? Perhaps..

But he's known to speak what he thinks of, regardless.
(Basil)

Then give it to potential ally.

A good thing to be sure. It reminded him that he did need to have a talk with Basil about quite a few things when they'd get out of here. Not only for Alabastre, but about their family. Giving him an announce like that all of a sudden may be not appreciated, but a bit of reasoning would likely have the man understand it all.

After all, he was his brother. He deserved to know about Kofe's most recent pursuits.

For now, however, the Rhoynish's mind was kept upon the relics that most people seemed to agree to deliver to them. Good. And with the agreement that Basten was nothing but a boulder in the way of the new world he kept quiet. Surely when people would inevitably march upon Ilburg would the Ilian pull away from the place, or be granted immunity so long as they did not fight back.

From one leader to the next.
(Kofe)

"An issue I have with Alabastre right now, Basil, is how divided you come off as. Two of your top warriors have barged into Theria waving warnings and threats of their affiliations in the war. Your help was very much appreciated at the start, yes, but I think Asta downplayed how glaring some things had become regarding your people. However, I personally don't mind your presence among us, should you get your nation together."

With that part addressed, Sythaeryn was the next element to engage. Rinn would have to cover for her own part of the discussion, but Alya had some things to say too.

"Isolationist? Instead of being expansionist? A very daring notion to present at the birth of a Coalition. If you merely wish to spread the word of the Fireblooded, that is one thing, but to claim that Therians have tucked tail and gone stagnant? I strongly disagree. We've stood our ground this whole time and still stand against our biggest enemy: The Osronan crown."

"And, apart from your failure during that raid, a failure that could have been avoided if you had used the council as your Dragonlord duty demanded you to do, I don't think anyone blames you for anything else. Well, yes, you are blamed for killing a war prisoner that wasn't yours. But I believe Asta handled that issue."

Her tone was kept calm and collected, there was no need for some drama in parenthesis during a council talk.

"I want to bring up the ex-Queen. Has anything progressed regarding her and the hunt?"
(Alya Kriemhild)

A tilt of his head is given to that.

Truthfully, there's something about this which had caused him to think it over, back on what he's discussed with Mars already. They've already settled it, haven't they? It only remained a matter of telling others about it all.

"Which warriors?"

"I presume you mean Tiernay and Owyn. Tiernay officially resigned from Alabastre, if that's who you're talking about - as for Owyn, we were meaning to speak to him about it."

"If you're talking about anyone else, then I've no clue who that is - or that might not even be someone from Alabastre at all." A pause, to which he speaks out.

"The Occultist who wears the bear's head was, allegedly, trying to say that he's from Alabastre. We confronted him about it. So if it's neither Tiernay nor Owyn, you might've gotten the wrong person."
(Basil)

"I'm not opposed to handing those artifacts to Basil. A potential ally." Asta says with a final wave of her hand. She gives Regulus a curious look, at mention of some artifacts belonging to the Grimmore family. How heinous. The thought brings a sly smile on her face.

"The split of the spoils of war you propose sounds fine enough to me," she says. "And the perpetuation of both the Fireblooded faith and Aschea's Faith are agreed. This may cause some strife in Osrona-- but, I suppose, this'll be a good reminder to their people that they have lost a war. They have been subjugated."


"As for Nebula. We've made attempts to locate her, but our resources have been dedicated to this war effort. And all of our non-war efforts have been shifted... elsewhere."

The High Lady's eyes advert down to the table, and she plays with her fingers.

"I'm sure you've heard of some destructive cataclysm occurring in the Vale. We're going to resolve that, first. Then shall we dedicate more resources to finding the Witch. All this to say, no. Not a whisper. Not a rumor. She hides well."

"Perhaps Alexander will spill more. Once he is in irons."
(Asta Hargrave)

"Lockwood will be dealt with in time. Speaking of which, I would implore everyone present to take efforts to at the least disallow members of the Twilight Troupe from entrance into their Kingdoms, if not order their arrests. Their affiliation to Nebula makes them a person of interest, and I daresay they're the most likely to be Lockwood's coven, if she is not alone."

Something that had almost slipped his mind, in truth.

"I believe that concludes our War Demands discussion, if we're all in agreement? If so, let us move on to this."

He produced from his cloak a piece of paper. It was offered to Asta first.

"This is the current draft of the Coalition pact. It outlines the articles members of the Coalition hold to. I ask all of those relevant to the formation of the organisation to review this document, and give their thoughts. I say this for a simple reason; I believe that it is best formalised now, on the eve of our final push against Osrona. Let it not be Theria and Myllenoris that subjugates the Shimmering City and breaks the oppression of the Petrakis Dynasty forever; let it be the Essharan Coalition. Let the defeated Osrona enter into a Coalition already formed."

The current terms were a refinement on that which had been previously discussed, and hopefully would put to rest any fears of Myllenoran superiority.
(Regulus Hargrave)

seems that all of it was settled.

And there was little dissatisfaction to be had with the fate of Osrona; after all, it's one thing when there's a claim that only a single party is going to take over the city, but it's entirely different when the representatives are supposed to be put in the place, but..

"Then it's settled."

As for the Twilight Troupe? He seems to not make any comment, but.. ever since exposure of Nebula, he hasn't even seen any of them within his city - so it's safe to assume that they're gone for good. Which is probably better.

As much as he wasn't going to actively hunt them, he wasn't really looking to tolerate known witches within his city either.

"Glad this meeting could settle it."
(Basil)